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Why Y’lan Noel Chose Darkness (and Sideburns) for His Role in ‘Woman in the Lake’ – Essence

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New York, New York, 7/11/24 – Y’lan Noel attends the premiere of “Lady in the Lake” in New York City. “Lady in the Lake” premieres worldwide on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 19, 2024. – PHOTOGRAPHED: Y’lan Noel – PHOTOGRAPHY Marion Curtis/Starpix for Apple TV+ – Location:

Y’lan Noel tells the story of a person who doesn’t have much respect for himself, but may be very honest.

The adaptation of Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel is now available on Apple TV+. It’s a story inspired by the sorts of stories we spend time examining and the ones we ignore.

Noel’s character, a black police officer, represents a lonely one who is unable to suit into the expectations of others. He recognized an element of himself in this character.

“I think one of the things that drew me to him was the fact that he was a loner,” Noel tells ESSENCE. “The biggest thing that makes him a loner is his profession. He’s a cop. He’s a black cop in a black neighborhood. There’s a level of distrust, disacceptance.”

Noel’s character, Ferdie Platt, lacks the confidence he exuded as Daniel in . This isn’t a talented man so stuffed with himself that he can’t get out of his own way during a studio session. This is someone who struggles to get through the day in police stations and on street corners that scare him away at every turn.

Why Y'lan Noel Chose Darkness (and Sideburns) for His Role in 'Woman in the Lake'

“I think part of why I’m drawn to these types of characters, in terms of loneliness, is because I grew up as an only child and I know what it’s like to be misunderstood.”

Ferdie isn’t a flat, baton-twirling villain or a stoic hero with no needs or ambitions of his own. He’s more complex. “It’s just really satisfying for me… to make these people three-dimensional,” Noel says.

Maddie Schwartz, a disillusioned housewife turned investigative journalist, connects with Ferdie. Maddie is played by Oscar winner Natalie Portman.

Each of them works individually to unravel the child murder case, while sticking to their very own moral principles.

The pair turn out to be lovers at a time when their relationship remains to be considered taboo. Noel’s character is more interested in doing what’s right than in following the law. When Maddie tries to maneuver the situation to keep up financial independence from her husband, Ferdie notices immediately. “He’s also a rookie detective, and she’s not short,” Noel says.

Why Y'lan Noel Chose Darkness (and Sideburns) for His Role in 'Woman in the Lake'

His character doesn’t judge her. Noel understood how these two found one another in such tense circumstances.

“She’s a stranger in his community, and he’s someone who, because he’s a policeman, [the] By the Sixties, the infrastructure that had underestimated him had finally found a spot for itself.

Noel used period-appropriate sideburns to assist flesh out his character’s look. The long hair helped him create the facial expressions justly. “I had to have sideburns outside of work for, like, seven, eight months when I was in Baltimore, which gave me some really interesting conversations in public,” he joked.

For the more necessary “inner work,” he read Sixties docu-fiction to dig into his character. He studied women’s liberation and community policing. “I watched documentaries about what life would have been like in the 1960s,” he explains.

Why Y'lan Noel Chose Darkness (and Sideburns) for His Role in 'Woman in the Lake'

has dark themes. It focuses on racism, misogyny, segregation, and violence. Noel relaxed with a visit to Mexico after the miniseries ended.

“I went on a retreat right after filming,” he says. “A dark retreat that many people might consider extreme. But for me, it was an opportunity to just get back to neutrality.”

It was helpful to just accept the “peace and quiet” of the surroundings.

The topics covered in the series are difficult, but because history is rewritten because it goes, the fiction retains a dynamic that’s erased on other platforms.

Noel is a author and actor. He desires to tell other stories that he thinks are necessary. “I want to tell more stories about African mythology, African folklore,” he says. “I’m very interested in these stories about African mythology, African gods, kings and priests. And not only that, but also a utopian world where people are more in touch with our inner powers.”

Why Y'lan Noel Chose Darkness (and Sideburns) for His Role in 'Woman in the Lake'

As for Portman’s character, Maddie, she feels uninhibited, worrying about presenting an ideal brisket ensemble while people suffer. Ferdie wants justice regardless of the cost.

“She’s fascinated by finding the truth, and he’s on that journey as well,” Noel says. He appreciated his character’s commitment to doing what’s right. “He stood his ground, despite the consequences he faced, and I think that’s a very admirable trait.”

Noel understands Maddie’s desire to go away her comfort zone and immerse herself in recent surroundings.

“I think it’s important to step outside of our comfort zone because that’s where we discover the best things about ourselves,” she adds. “I think it’s important to pursue your dreams and the things you’re interested in, no matter the sacrifices.”

is now available to look at on Apple TV+. New episodes on Fridays. Watch the trailer below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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